Ready for a snack? Filipino banana cue is made with ripe saba bananas coated in melted brown sugar. Individual skewers hold at least a pair of them together. It is perfect for anyone who loves quick, affordable snacks. Each banana is crispy and glossy on the outside. But they're warm and soft on the inside.
For more banana treats, try this creamy banana mango smoothie or fruity papaya banana smoothie.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It's the perfect afternoon snack for any season. It's sweet, warm, and satisfying. The caramelized sugar creates a slightly sweet and crisp coating around the banana.
This easy snack recipe is naturally vegan and beginner-friendly. Just have four simple ingredients to make it.
Saba bananas contain fiber and potassium. They help support digestion and normal muscle function, too.
The Story Behind Banana Cue
This Filipino street food is often sold near schools, markets, and busy neighborhoods. Vendors display the golden bananas. For Filipinos, it brings back memories of enjoying merienda after school or work.
Where Banana Cue Comes From
Banana cue comes from the Philippines. It's long been sold as an affordable street snack. Filipino vendors probably started making it using local saba, brown sugar, and simple frying methods.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
It's commonly served during merienda or snack time. It's enjoyed throughout the year because saba bananas are widely available in the Philippines. It's also sold at markets, school events, fiestas, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- saba bananas
- brown sugar
- cooking oil
- bamboo skewers
See the recipe card for quantities.
I get my organic ingredients from Thrive Market. Take a peek using this link! They currently have a $60 gift plus a $30 off their next two orders for new members.
Instructions
Fry the Bananas
1. Pour the cooking oil into a deep pan or wok.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Carefully add the peeled saba bananas to the hot oil.
4. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly golden.
Coat the Bananas
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar directly into the oil.
6. Allow the sugar to melt and begin caramelizing.
7. Gently turn the bananas in the melted sugar.
8. Continue turning until they are evenly coated.
9. Fry until the bananas are golden brown and glossy.
10. Carefully remove them from the oil.
Skewer and Serve
11. Place the cooked bananas on a lined plate or cooling rack.
12. Carefully insert one bamboo skewer into each banana.
13. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Plantain bananas can also work if you don't have saba. - Variation
You can try coconut sugar instead of brown. But the coating will taste less traditional. - Mistake to Avoid
Don't cook the sugar over very high heat. It can burn before the bananas finish cooking. Keep the heat at medium and turn the bananas gently.
Storage Tip
Banana Cue is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, then reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Freezing is not recommended because the bananas may become watery and mushy after thawing.
FAQs
Classic Banana Cue
Ingredients
- 8 ripe saba bananas peeled
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups cooking oil for frying
- 8 bamboo skewers
Instructions
Fry the Bananas
- Pour the cooking oil into a deep pan or wok.
- Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Carefully add the peeled saba bananas to the hot oil.
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly golden.
Coat the Bananas
- Sprinkle the brown sugar directly into the oil.
- Allow the sugar to melt and begin caramelizing.
- Gently turn the bananas in the melted sugar.
- Continue turning until they are evenly coated.
- Fry until the bananas are golden brown and glossy.
- Carefully remove them from the oil.
Skewer and Serve
- Place the cooked bananas on a lined plate or cooling rack.
- Carefully insert one bamboo skewer into each banana.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
You Might Also Like:
Recipes for Every Moment
Need a quick Filipino merienda for a snack? Here's an easy banana cue recipe that only needs four ingredients and a bit of time!
Leave a Reply